Charles Tabesh, TCM’s SVP of programming, who was reinstated at Warner Bros. Discovery after widespread outcry over his dismissal from the classic movie network, thanked fans Tuesday for their continued support. “The support has been amazing for TCM and me,” he tweeted.
“All I want to say is that it always takes a real team to make it work,” he added. “There are too many people to name so I won’t, but the talent and dedication has always been there throughout the network. I know how lucky I have been to work with him.
After talking to industry heavyweights Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, WBD CEO David Zaslav backtracked on Tabesh’s dismissal and agreed to bring him back.
Insiders told TheWrap that about 70 employees were laid off amid the harsh belt-tightening, leaving fewer than two dozen employees at the network. They included top executives including Anne Wilson, vice president of studio production; Dexter Feder, Vice President of Marketing and Creative; and Genevieve McGillicuddy, vice president of TCM Enterprises. His dismissal was preceded by the exit of TCM general manager Paula Chagnon after 26 years.
WBD executives Michael De Luca and Pam Abdi would oversee programming and creative content for TCM, while Anderson, Spielberg and Scorsese would provide guidance on curation and programming scheduling.
While it’s unclear what’s next for TCM, Tasbesh’s return brings some relief to classic film fans.
“Rejoice, classic movie fans! Charles Tabesh – SVP of programming and architect of all that is great about TCM – has been fired, tweeted the writer/producer. Will McKinley After the news was announced on 24 June.
McKinley also celebrated that the TCM Classic Film Fest has been confirmed for 2024. “#SaveTCM worked (at least for now).”
